ADSA UPDATE
MENTORS: Dr James Zvirblis
Dr James Zvirblis graduated from the DMD program at the University of Sydney in 2016. Upon graduating Dr Zvirblis made the move to Port Macquarie. He works 5-6 days per week at a busy private practice alongside 6 other dentists, 3 OHTs and 1 hygienist. His day to day practice is extremely varied with a high patient flow, allowing him to gain valuable experience in all fields of dentistry, with particular emphasis on crowns and bridges. In his first year out, part of his CPD included completion of the Avenue Dental mini-residency program as a finalist of the Australian Dental Graduate of the Year award. Dr Zvirblis is continually involved in the dental community, co-founding the Dental Head Start blog, participating in the DPL young dentist committee, observing on the ADA recent graduates committee and most recently in his position as a pre-clinical tutor in the USyd Dentistry program.
“Try not to stress too much about finding a job - there are plenty out there, you just need to look around different areas for the best first start for your career.”
Dr Michael Derkacz Dr Michael Derkacz graduated from La Trobe University in 2016 with a high distinction average throughout the entire program and has been awarded the ADAVB 3rd, 4th and 5th year awards, Royal Australian College of Dental Surgeons prize as well as the Dean’s Honour list award. He is currently working in Victoria in the private, public and university settings. Dr Derkacz has enjoyed his time working in a busy private clinic as it has provided him with a lot of pediatric experience. All the while, the public sphere has provided him with exposure to a full range of dental procedures for patients from all walks of life. Immediately after graduation, Dr Michael Derkacz was invited back to La Trobe University as a well-respected clinical educator and examiner for both dental and oral health students; offering his valuable tips and experiences to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students at La Trobe. Dr Michael Derkacz is planning to continue his studies in medicine in hopes to one day be accepted into his preferred post graduate course of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
“The biggest tip I can give to anyone who is about to graduate is to have a good grasp of infection control obligations, the CBDS and preferred provider arrangements.”
Dr Jessica Zachar Dr Jessica Zachar graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2015. Upon graduation she began working as a Dental Officer at Westmead Hospital. In 2017, she discovered her passion in teaching and research while working as an Associate Lecturer in Clinical Dentistry at Charles Sturt University. During this time, she also developed a strong interest in oral surgery. In 2019, she relocated to Brisbane to pursue her studies in a Master of Clinical Dentistry (Oral Surgery) at Griffith University. She also teaches the undergraduate dental students at The University of Queensland. Dr Zachar has a variety of experience both in the public and private sector and provides a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of dentistry.
05 / JUL 2019 MENTORING OPPORTUNITY
“Continuing my studies in dentistry is something that I have always been interested in. The one thing I wish I knew was having realistic expectations upon graduation and how to apply for my chosen specialty.”